Famous for nearly singlehandedly reshaping the definition and scope of the Blues via the infusion of exotic sounds from the Caribbean, Africa and South Pacific, the two-time Grammy Award winner from Massachusetts has been writing and performing for over fifty years.

Victor Martinez supported Taj Mahal at his Sydney show.

Taj Mahal formed the Rising Sons, a six-piece outfit that included guitarist Ry Cooder. The band opened for numerous high-profile touring artists of the '60s, including Otis Redding, The Temptations and Martha and the Vandellas. Around this same time, Taj also mingled with various blues legends, including Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, Junior Wells, Buddy Guy, Lightnin' Hopkins and Sleepy John Estes.

In recent years he has collaborated with Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, Angelique Kidjo, Los Lobos, Ziggy Marley, Blind Boys Of Alabama, Van Morrison, The Roots, Eric Clapton, Wynton Marsalis and Tedeschi Trucks and others – many of whom have been directly influenced by Taj's music and guidance.

Recognised as an ‘International Treasure’, Taj Mahal is one of the most diverse, and prolific Blues performers in the world, and perhaps, ever. He has released 26 studio albums, appeared in nine films and written soundtracks for two, received a Blues Music Award, and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 13th Annual Americana Honors and Awards. Taj continues to tour internationally, doing as many as 150 shows per year throughout the world.

Bluesfest Touring is proud to welcome Taj Mahal back to the Australian stage – one of the Blues, and the world’s greats.